Students are made aware of Independent university and courses evaluation websites to assist their choice.

January

February

March

April

Students begin preparation for their UCAS Personal Statement. Students are reminded of the importance of gaining work experience and attending taster courses and insight days to enhance their all round knowledge of those subjects to which they wish to apply.

University presentations by Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University are delivered. Students can access the Scottish Universities Talk in February hosted in the Royal School Armagh.

Work experience. Year 13 students undertake work experience to improve their understanding of the world of work and relevant vocational options offered at university

In March of Year 13 all prospective university students attend the UCAS Convention in Belfast.

In April of their Year 13 students considering application to medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and Oxbridge are invited with their parents/guardians to attend a meeting in preparation for their application.

June

In June registration with UCAS Apply begins. Students are invited to attend one of two working days focussing on the UCAS application. Students are encouraged to complete a number of sections of the application before they return in September of Year 14.

Year 14

September

September begins with attendance at the local university open days. All prospective university students attend Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. The school also makes arrangements for students to attend Saint Mary’s College Belfast. Students are encouraged to avail of open days/parent evenings organised by other universities.

October

November

Completion of the remainder of UCAS applications. To facilitate this process the Head of Department offers support and guidance after school during these months. Completed UCAS forms are checked for error. Each student meets with the Head of Careers to discuss their course choice prior to the application been sent.

October

November

December

Candidates for those courses having an interview as part of the selection process can make arrangements for one-to-one interviews with the Head of Department. To aid candidates’ preparation for interview, a series of group preparation after school meetings, beginning in October, focussing on applications to nursing and midwifery, teaching, art and social work are arranged.

November of Year 14. The talk focuses on the role of parents/guardians during an application to Student Finance for university study and SWC Omagh for students attending a college of further education.

January

CAO students are encouraged to consider applying to colleges of further education and universities in the Republic of Ireland.

February

UCAS responses. Students are made aware of how to use Track and Respond to university offers. Students who hold no offers are guided how to use UCAS Extra.

Living away from home. Accommodation options are discussed. The pros and cons of private and university accommodation are provided.

March

April

Student Finance application forms are distributed to students. The Student Finance application process is explained to students in class. Students are also made aware of the many scholarships and bursaries available for higher education study. Credit Action, a local charity, delivers a workshop on personal budgeting. Local banks are also invited to attend this workshop. Students having a disability are reminded of the support available at university to meet their needs.

Responding to university decisions.

Discussion of post 18 choices to reinforce and remind students of those non-university options to career progression as a viable route for able and motivated students.

The Head of Careers for Southern Regional College Armagh visits the school and delivers a presentation on course availability to students. Application forms are distributed and the importance of early application for competitive courses is stressed.

Students are encouraged to attend further education open days. The Head of Department ensures that non-university applications are in hand.

Students are supported in their application to part-time study at Ulster University.